In Filipino culture, there is a popular proverb that goes like this: "Kung gusto, maraming paraan. Kung ayaw, maraming dahilan." Translated to English, it means "If you want, there are many ways. If you don't want, there are many reasons."
This idiom is often used to convey the idea that when someone has a strong desire or intention to achieve something, they will find a way to make it happen. Conversely, if someone is not interested in doing something, they will come up with excuses as to why they can't or won't do it.
The phrase "Kung gusto" literally means "if you want," and "maraming paraan" means "many ways." Similarly, "Kung ayaw" means "if you don't want," and "maraming dahilan" means "many reasons."
This proverb is not unique to the Philippines, as similar phrases can be found in other cultures. For example, the English phrase "where there's a will, there's a way" conveys a similar idea.
In Filipino culture, this idiom is often used to encourage people to take initiative and find creative solutions to problems. It is also used to remind others that excuses are not acceptable reasons for not taking action.
Examples of Using the Idiom
- "Kung gusto mo, may paraan." (If you want it, there's a way.) – This phrase is often used to encourage someone to take action and find a solution.
- "Kung ayaw mo, maraming dahilan." (If you don't want it, there are many reasons.) – This phrase is often used to remind others that excuses are not acceptable reasons for not taking action.
The idiom "Kung gusto, maraming paraan. Kung ayaw, maraming dahilan" is a common phrase in Filipino culture that encourages people to take initiative and find creative solutions to problems. It is also used to remind others that excuses are not acceptable reasons for not taking action.